These
caves fifty kilometers
northeast of Turpan are
among the best known
grottoes in Xinjiang.
Built during the late
Northern and Southern
Dynasties (420-581), the
fifty-seven grottoes are
known mainly for their
murals, which still
retain their fresh,
bright colors though
bits and pieces are
missing here and there.
The themes of the
paintings are taken
mostly from Buddhist
tales, but they also
reflect the close
relations that existed
between the Mongolian,
Uygur and Han ethnic
groups. Influence from
western regions –
China’s Xinjiang and
Central Asia-is strongly
evident in the artistic
style of these murals.